Some clever joined-up thinking might temptingly lead to some West Highland first-class eating, drinking and panoramic feasting courtesy of Caledonian Sleeper’s latest announcement.
Scenic connoisseurs, island-hoppers and railway buffs can be well chuff-chuffed as they travel to the northern isles looking to experience the tranquillity and beauty of Scotland’s islands and the West Highlands. This summer’s experience is now enhanced with a new travel connection to Oban.
Caledonian Sleeper, the overnight train which transports guests between central London and Scotland, has launched a dedicated coach service which lets adventurers reach the coast and beyond.
Inspiration enough for Sir Walter Scott’s poem, The Lord Of The Isles, Oban, affectionately and quite appropriately, known as the gateway to the isles, offers ferry services to many islands off the West Coast of Scotland including the stunning Inner and Outer Hebrides and the Western Isles. Taking guests directly between the train station at Crianlarich and the coastal town of Oban, the service will unlock the gateway to the isles, including Mull, Islay, Lewis and Harris.
Ryan Flaherty, Serco’s Managing Director at Caledonian Sleeper, said: “The islands off Scotland’s west coast are among the most beautiful destinations in the UK and there are few places better for a peaceful summer break.
“And with Caledonian Sleeper, there is no easier way to get there. After enjoying a relaxing and refreshing journey of a night time, guests will immediately be taken by coach directly to Oban – where they can explore the town or set off to the islands with the help of CalMac Ferries.”
Peter Griffith, Senior Marketing Manager, CalMac Ferries Ltd, said: “CalMac Ferries Ltd is delighted to be working with Caledonian Sleeper and West Coast Motors to help people discover Scotland’s Hebridean Islands. From Oban our ferries sail through Scotland’s most spectacular scenery.
“Apart from enjoying the experience of travelling by ferry, visitors can also take part in one of our ‘CalMac Adventures’ – a programme of day trips to some of the islands’ most memorable attractions and destinations.”
The Oban bus service, operated by West Coast Motors and funded by Transport Scotland, operates Monday to Saturday mornings from Crianlarich railway station to Oban reflecting the Caledonian Sleeper timetable. A return service from Oban will run at 19:40 on Sundays and at 20:30 Monday to Friday. Guests looking to use the bus service should confirm so when boarding Caledonian Sleeper in London Euston.
The Caledonian Sleeper service is an overnight rail journey between Scotland and London which is operated by Serco on behalf of Transport Scotland. Every night, apart from Saturday, guests are transported both north and south between Inverness, Aberdeen, Fort William, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London Euston.
